Translink has announced fare increases for bus and train passengers. Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus fares will be revised based on a decision by the Department for Infrastructure.
Most passengers in Northern Ireland will see a 6% increase in bus fares and a 10% increase in rail fares from Monday 3 June. The fare increase does not affect cross-border bus and rail fares.
Peter McClenaghan, director of infrastructure and sustainability at the Consumer Council, said the increase would be a blow to public transport users, with low-income passengers most affected. He noted that the fare hike contrasted with initiatives elsewhere in the UK, with the Translink hike potentially reducing the number of people using public transport.
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The fare hike comes ahead of the summer’s expected disruption to public transport in Northern Ireland, as ten train stations between Lisburn and Belfast Lanyon Place will close for two months and be replaced by buses. It is to connect the new Grand Central Station to the rail line.
Mr McClenaghan said: “Today’s announcement that Translink will increase its average fares by 6% for buses and 10% for rail is a blow to public transport users. This assessment comes against the backdrop of an average 7% increase in fares across all Translink services in March 2023 and rail fare increases in November 2023.
“It will disproportionately affect low-income passengers who have no other travel option than public transport and who are already struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis. Consumers will understand that there has been an increase in the cost of running public transport,” he added. and this is compounded by the Northern Ireland government’s freeze on public transport funding.
“Public transport funding by the Northern Ireland Government must be adequate to at least maintain current service levels, but also fund incentives to increase ridership where possible. This fare increase contrasts with initiatives elsewhere such as the bus fare cap of £2 England and a 20 per cent discount for passengers in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), which recognize the benefits of public transport to society and the environment.
“This increase to Translink could limit the growth in the number of people using public transport and be at odds with the Government’s policy to increase the number of people using public transport.”
It is calling on Translink to introduce a weekly cap on contactless payments to help reduce the prices of some types of tickets.
“We welcome Translink’s stated intention to move to flat fares in the Belfast metro area as it makes it easier for passengers,” he added.
“However, the introduction of some flat-rate tickets resulted in above-average price increases for some types of tickets.
“We are therefore calling on Translink to introduce solutions to offset this price increase as soon as possible, such as a weekly cap on contactless payments, to help resolve this issue. Passengers across Northern Ireland should check that they are using the cheapest fare for their ticket .” Discounted prices are available depending on how you pay for your ticket or the type of ticket you are buying, such as a weekly or monthly ticket.”
Translink encourages passengers to use contactless, mLink and multi-trip products to get a great deal on their tickets. The 25% discount will continue to be available for travel after 9.30am on rail and local Ulsterbus services. iLink cards also offer unlimited travel for different zones across the bus and train network.
Ian Campbell, Translink’s chief operating officer, also highlighted discounts for young people. He explained: “We’re also keeping the 50% discount along with free access to a yLink card for everyone aged 16 to 23. With over 60% growth in yLink journeys in the last year, this special offer is helping many more young people.” travel by bus and train and earn money further.
“We’ve also taken the opportunity to simplify Smartlink Metro/Glider fares and make it easier for our customers. To use Smartlink, passengers simply pay £2 for any standard adult journey, saving most people over 10% compared to paying DayLink cash, mLink and contactless day tickets will also move to £4.00 for all-day travel.
“We remain convinced that bus and train travel is still the most attractive and cost-effective travel option, particularly when compared to the rising private costs of motoring. Combined with the many wider health and wellbeing benefits of sustainable travel, it’s also an easy way we can all contribute to the climate crisis and improve air quality for a better connected society for all.”
Passengers can find out more about the best fare for their travel needs at www.translink.co.uk/faresrevision
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